Nursing Elites

1. What term describes a series of muscle contractions that transports food down the digestive tract in a wave-like fashion?

• A. digestion
• B. deglutition
• C. defecation
• D. peristalsis

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Peristalsis is the correct term for the series of muscle contractions that move food down the digestive tract in a wave-like manner. This process helps propel food through the esophagus, stomach, and intestines, facilitating digestion and nutrient absorption. Digestion (Choice A) refers to the breakdown of food into smaller components, deglutition (Choice B) is the act of swallowing, and defecation (Choice C) is the elimination of waste from the body. Therefore, peristalsis is the most appropriate term to describe the described muscle contractions in the digestive system.

2. What type of muscle tissue is responsible for causing the hair follicles to stand on end when you get a goosebump?

• A. Skeletal muscle
• B. Smooth muscle
• C. Cardiac muscle
• D. None of the above

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Smooth muscle is responsible for causing the hair follicles to stand on end when you get a goosebump. This type of muscle tissue is found in the skin attached to hair follicles and contracts in response to stimuli such as cold or fear, causing the hair to stand up. Skeletal muscle is responsible for voluntary movements, and cardiac muscle is found in the heart and is not directly involved in causing goosebumps. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not represent the specific type of muscle tissue responsible for this physiological response.

3. Which gland produces the hormone responsible for the 'fight-or-flight' response in stressful situations?

• A. Thyroid gland
• B. Pituitary gland
• C. Adrenal gland
• D. Pancreas

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Adrenal gland. The hormone responsible for the 'fight-or-flight' response in stressful situations is produced by the adrenal gland. This hormone is called adrenaline (epinephrine) and is released in response to stress, preparing the body to either fight the stressor or flee from it. The other choices are incorrect because the thyroid gland primarily produces hormones that regulate metabolism, the pituitary gland produces various hormones that control other endocrine glands, and the pancreas produces insulin and glucagon to regulate blood sugar levels.

4. What is the action of the triceps reflex?

• A. Forces contraction of the triceps and extension of the arm.
• B. Forces contraction of the biceps, relaxation of the biceps, and arm extension.
• C. Causes the triceps to contract, causing the forearm to supinate and flex.
• D. Causes the triceps to relax and the upper arm to pronate and extend.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The triceps reflex causes the triceps muscle to contract, leading to the extension of the arm. This reflex is a protective response to sudden stretching of the triceps muscle, as seen when a physician taps the triceps tendon during a physical examination. Choice A is the correct answer as it accurately reflects the action of the triceps reflex. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they describe actions that are not associated with the triceps reflex. Biceps contraction, forearm supination, flexion, triceps relaxation, and pronation are not part of the triceps reflex arc.

5. What is the primary function of ribosomes in a cell?

• A. Protein synthesis
• B. DNA replication
• C. Cell division
• D. Lipid synthesis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Protein synthesis. Ribosomes are the cellular organelles responsible for protein synthesis. They read the messenger RNA (mRNA) and translate the genetic information into specific proteins. This process is essential for building and maintaining the structures and functions of the cell. Choice B, DNA replication, is incorrect because ribosomes are not involved in replicating DNA; that process occurs in the nucleus. Choice C, cell division, is incorrect as ribosomes are not directly involved in cell division but rather in protein synthesis. Choice D, lipid synthesis, is also incorrect as ribosomes are not responsible for synthesizing lipids, which primarily occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum and other organelles.

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